109 Chapter 103: Going to Yorknew City! (Flashback Ends!)
Meanwhile, in a quiet place deep within the forest...
"Machi, why is it taking you so long?"
"Shut up, it's hard to get this out of that stubborn old man..."
"Oh? Is he still alive?"
Machi just clicked her tongue in response to Nobunaga's inquiry as she handed the purse to Shalnark, who then retrieved a device from his pocket.
The moonlight shone upon the gathering as a group of people assembled quietly, with Shalnark calmly using his phone-like device while holding the heart-shaped purse.
"...!"
Shalnark widened his eyes in surprise, but they quickly sharpened as he released an intense killing intent.
He turned towards the man who seemed to be the quietest in the place at the moment. The man had a cross-shaped tattoo on his forehead and a pair of orb-shaped earrings.
Shalnark then nodded, "It matches the trace..."
"..."
In an instant, everyone emitted a similar intense bloodlust.
Their expressions displayed a mixture of relief at finally finding the culprit, along with underlying anger and fury behind their eyes.
However...
"I see..."
Chrollo responded, slowly rising to his feet.
An intense killing intent, overpowering even their combined bloodthirstiness, seemed to emanate from him.
Everyone looked at Chrollo with awe and a hint of worry, noting the drastic change in him since Sarasa's death.
"Then... Let's return the favor..."
He spoke slowly as he started to stride towards the direction of the Kurta Clan, and everyone swiftly followed his lead.
That year...
The world was shaken upon learning of the infamous Kurta Clan's massacre at the hands of the recently notorious Phantom Troupe.
The world remained perplexed as to what motivated them to commit such a heinous crime of decimating an entire clan.
However, after an investigation, it became apparent that they were after the Scarlet Eyes, as all the deceased had their eyes gouged out.
This marked a historical turning point, as the Phantom Troupe transitioned from mere criminals to a well-known band of diabolical thieves with Class A bounties over their heads.
Kurapika, thoroughly enjoying his adventure outside, was devastated upon hearing the news.
He immediately returned, only to find nothing left in his village.
Engulfed by sadness and a newfound, intense emotion, he bid farewell once again as he set out once more...
...but this time, his goal was completely different!
A few weeks later...
In Meteor City, after the recent battle that had shaken the entire city, things had finally settled down, with Raymond firmly establishing his influence.
The residents didn't resist this, as they had long considered Raymond one of their own.
Since then, they had followed Raymond, even joining his cause to make the city a better place after he revealed the truth about what had been happening under Watanabe's leadership!
However...
Another devastating blow struck Meteor City as news spread of the passing of one of the Elders.
"A lot has changed, huh?"
A man's figure was seen slowly walking into the city, observing his surroundings in silence.
He noticed the atmosphere had shifted significantly.
Despite the somber occasion of the Elder's death, the typically depressing mood that hung over the city seemed slightly improved.
"...That tattoo on his forehead?"
"And those orb earrings..."
"Isn't he..."
That's right, it was Chrollo Lucifer!
Originally, he had planned to visit Sarasa's grave, knowing they had succeeded in avenging her death.
However, he sensed that one of the abilities he had stolen from the elders had grown stronger, indicating the elder's death.
This was another reason he had returned.
Seeing that the residents recognized him as they glanced at him warily didn't bother him, and Chrollo muttered, "...I should find out what has been happening for the past few years."
"..."
Meanwhile, inside a broken-down church, the atmosphere was somber.
Raymond sat calmly in one of the seats as the ceremony began, holding a piece of crumpled paper in his hand.
Beside him was Adin, while the rest of his men, including Luke, had to return to take care of some matters and prepare to fulfill their original goal of coming to Meteor City.
"...So, he knew his death was imminent, huh?"
Raymond muttered as he looked down at the paper, which stated that the elder acknowledged his influence over the city in exchange for making it prosperous.
After the ceremony concluded, Raymond bid his farewell, slowly making his way out.
On his way, Raymond noticed a man with a cross-shaped tattoo on his forehead and a pair of orb-shaped earrings walking in.
"...So you're the one?"
Chrollo softly spoke as they crossed paths.
"..."
Raymond didn't even turn, keeping silent as he continued walking out.
Despite the tension that suddenly descended across the church, they seemed to ignore each other.
Chrollo continued, "I'll watch over what you're doing here..."
"...Do as you see fit," Raymond responded with a soft whisper after a brief silence, continuing on his way out.
Though Raymond heard the threat beneath Chrollo's words, he couldn't care less. The influence of the Phantom Troupe over the city was less significant compared to his own at the moment, as the residents were in favor of him.
"You don't wanna come in?"
Raymond stopped and turned to see someone leaning against the church wall.
"...No," Sakujiro spoke.
He silently stood in the shadow of the church, then slowly walked out, "I no longer have any attachment to this place..."
Sakujiro's words held some truth, as he had spread a false rumor of his death in the battle against Watanabe.
He was now...
...had been reborn!
"Blood runs thicker than you think..."
"..."
Sakujiro fell silent after hearing Raymond's words, shaking his head.
Then, he gestured to his side, and a child about Taka's age calmly revealed himself.
"Can we bring him in? Though his eyesight was bad, I'm sure you have your means to cure him..."
Sin looked up at Raymond in silence, appearing to have matured overnight. However, Raymond could discern a slight tremor beneath the surface as he nodded.
"He's your responsibility. Don't let him die in vain..."
"Understood!"
Sakujiro replied while Sin silently tightened his fist.
He swore to become strong and be useful to his benefactor, who had helped him enact his revenge!
A chuckle escaped Raymond's lips as the scene from five years ago seemed to fade into shades of grey and black before slowly scattering.
He found himself back in the car, with Sakujiro turning to look at him from the rearview mirror.
"Is there anything you're happy with, Master?" Sakujiro asked.
"...No, nothing," Raymond replied quietly, gazing out the window in silence. He held a cup of water in his hand, its hue darkened by his Nen.
As he looked at the cloudy sky, Raymond muttered, "...Ten Dons, huh? I'll see what you have this time."
Their next destination was Yorknew City!
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